The Kirkwood rest stop on Interstate 81 reopened Thursday, showcasing the Southern Tier.
When you pull up, you're greeted by a race car from Watkins Glen and a life-sized I Love NY sculpture. There's a Taste New York store if you're hungry, and you can eat in the expanded, carousel-themed dining area. Pictures and shadow boxes highlight the region's parks and attractions.
Leaders hope it makes tourists want to explore the area.
"For visitors who've just made a long journey who think they're just going to stop for a cup of coffee, they'll be wowed and they'll sit down and say 'I need to spend a little more time here,' " said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "That's the whole objective of the governor's strategy to continue promoting tourism."
There's also a dog park and a playground for kids with a river motif.